YES! A vegan recipe for Chinese Lemon Chicken!
Chinese cuisine is renowned for its complex and vibrant flavors, but many dishes feature meat and other animal products, which can make it challenging for vegans to find suitable options. One dish that is particularly challenging for vegans is Chinese lemon chicken, which typically features battered and fried chicken coated in a sweet and sour lemon sauce. However, with a little creativity and some substitutions, vegans can enjoy a delicious and cruelty-free version of this classic dish.
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The first step in making vegan Chinese lemon chicken is to find a suitable replacement for the chicken. There are many plant-based alternatives available these days, such as tofu, seitan, and tempeh. These proteins can be battered and fried just like chicken and provide a similar texture and flavor. If you’re using tofu, it’s important to press out as much water as possible to achieve a crispy coating when frying.
For the batter, it’s super simple, coat the sliced tofu in cornstarch and custard powder (as used in many Chinese food establishments and fry until crispy and golden brown. Alternatively, you can also bake the protein in the oven for a healthier version of this dish.
The sauce for Chinese lemon chicken is typically sweet and sour, with a tangy flavor from fresh lemons. To make a vegan version, simply substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar, For an extra tangy kick, add a splash of rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Cornstarch can be used as a thickener for the sauce, giving it a smooth and glossy texture.
Custard powder will give you the best batter to coat the tofu in. This is widely used in take-outs in the UK to coat proteins for this type of dish. (It's sweet and vegan!)
Once the protein and sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. Pour the sauce over the fried or baked protein, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated. Garnish with sliced lemons and sesame seeds for a pop of color and added flavor.
Vegan Chinese lemon chicken is not only delicious, but it’s also a healthier and more ethical option compared to the traditional meat-based version. It’s important to remember that the food we eat has a significant impact on our planet and the animals that inhabit it. By choosing to consume plant-based foods, we are taking a step towards a more sustainable and compassionate future.
In addition, veganism is not just about food choices, but it’s also a way of life that promotes compassion and respect for all living beings. It’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and understanding that our actions have consequences. By choosing to live a vegan lifestyle, we can make a positive impact on the world around us and contribute to a more just and equitable society.
In conclusion, vegan Chinese lemon chicken may seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple substitutions, it’s possible to create a delicious and cruelty-free version of this classic dish. By choosing to consume plant-based foods, we are not only promoting our own health and wellbeing, but we are also taking a step towards a more sustainable and compassionate future. So, the next time you’re craving Chinese lemon chicken, give this vegan version a try, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Vegan Chinese Lemon Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Wok
Ingredients
- 250 Grams Extra Firm Tofu
- 1 Cup Cornflour
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Zest Cut into thin matchsticks
- 1/2 Onion Sliced into strips
- 2 Tablespoons White Sugar
- 1 Thumb of Ginger finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Agave or other honey replacement
- 1 Tablespoon Custard Powder
- 1 Tablespoon White Vinegar
- 1 Teaspoon MSG
- 1 Teaspoon sesame seeds for garnishing.
Instructions
Perparing the tofu
- Remove the tofu from the package and drain it
- press it down for 10 minutes to remove excess liquid
- Slice into equal parts and pat down with kitchen tissue
- In a large bowl mix in the cup of cornstarch and custard powder
- coat the tofu in the cornstarch and custard powder mix
- In a heated wok, add in the oil and fry the coated tofu until golden and crispy!
- Set aside
The Sauce
- Prepare the lemon zest by using a peeler and chop the slices into matchsticks
- To a clean wok, add in oil and the onions and stir fry
- Once the onions are blistered, add in the liquids
- Mix well and add in the sugar, ginger and optional MSG
- Stir until you have a thick sauce
- Add in the previously fried tofu and coat it in the sauce
- Add in the lemon zest matchsticks 30 seconds before plating it up
- Serve with rice and garnish with a sprinkle of the lemon zest and some sesame